Police are investigating reports that two teenage girls were approached by a man in Knebworth who asked them to get into his car.

The incident occurred on Watton Road at around 3.45pm on Friday when a man – who is described as Asian – approached the girls in a grey Ford Saloon and asked them to get in the car.

At no point did the man attempt to touch or grab them before the teenagers ran off.

The father of one of the girls, Dave Tebbutt, of Sayer Way in Knebworth, said: “It’s shocking that in this day and age there are still people like that out there chancing their luck.

“Obviously my first reaction was to ring the police, and hopefully they find something on the CCTV.”

The 44-year-old added: “We have a younger daughter who goes down the park and now we pick her up rather than let her go on her own, and friends are now giving their kids lifts rather than letting them walk.”

A police spokeswoman said: “We fully understand how an incident of this nature can cause concern for parents, children and the wider community.

“However, residents should be reassured we are making all enquiries we can to fully investigate the matter.

“Should anyone have any information which would assist the investigation or see anything suspicious please report it to police immediately on 101.”